The former star defensive lineman at Point Loma High (class of 2011) has signed a letter of intent to continue his collegiate career as a San Diego State University Aztec.

Heyward was one of the most heavily recruited prep players in the nation following his senior season at PLHS, and his signing with University of Southern California (USC) was covered by ESPN.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Heyward redshirted the 2011 season before undergoing shoulder surgery. In 2012, Heyward played in five games before transferring to a junior college in 2013

He has been working out in preparation for his two remaining years of collegiate eligibility.

“I’m just glad to be home and enter the next chapter of my life,” Heyward said last week at a countywide letter-signing event at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Heyward is among 25 recruits announced by Aztec head coach Rocky Long.

The Aztecs are coming off an 8-5 season in which they went to their fourth consecutive bowl game, winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in a 49-24 romp over Buffalo University.

Besides Heyward’s signing, three members of the Pointers class of 2014 also signed letters to play at the collegiate level, according to athletic director John Murphy.

Swimmer Andrew Brady will swim in the University of Florida pool, while teammate Jason O’Brien will take his stroke to the University of California. Top soccer player Eddie Gallardo will continue his career at Point Loma Nazarene University.